Best Of Home

Five Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day In Minnesota

Mom may have come to expect the same old Mother’s Day brunch followed by a flowery card purchased at the last minute. Yet, mom might come alive when her children put a little more thought behind the gift such as giving a spa day, simply taking a stroll in a park or going to see a show. Here are five creative activities that might spark your imagination for a fun Mother’s Day with mom in Minnesota. For other fun ideas, see Best Mother’s Day Gifts In Minnesota.

Amaze the entire family with McKhool’s fiddling fling around the world performing blues, East Coast fiddling, boogie-woogie, flamenco, funk, Gypsy jazz and rumba-dance party music. Moms with precocious children will want to be at the lobby by 1 p.m. for Sound Discovery Station, giving their kids a chance to try out musical instruments under the direction of a trained volunteer. Performers this afternoon are Chris McKhool, fiddle and vocals; Kevin Laliberté, nylon string guitar; Drew Birston, electric bass and Alberto Suarez, percussion.

Produce a perfect afternoon with a stroll through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and a photo of mom at Spoonbridge and Cherry. Finish it off with exhibitions “Jim Hodges: Give More Than You Take” and “Hopper Drawing: A Painter’s Process.” Mother’s Day is the last day to of the Hodges exhibit in case you have not had time to stop by the Walker yet this spring.

The most extraordinary and exclusive dining experience for the art- and music-loving mom will take place right here in Minneapolis on Mother’s Day. An intimate dinner (only 40 seats will be available for each performance) features the music and art of Jon Langford. Guests should delight in Langford’s trademark visual art, widely known for his bold colors and physically powerful lines portraying pioneers and icons of country music. His art and writings can be found in “Nashville Radio,” published in 2006. Be aware that Langford comes by his attraction to country music honestly, having influenced the British punk wave throughout the 1980s by forging folk and country music into the music with his band, The Mekons. To this day, Langford entertains with various bands including the Mekons, and he is excited for this chance at a solo show, along with a chance for conversation led by Bill DeVille from 89.3 The Current for this May Locavore Serenade dinner and show. The Locavore Serenade series showcases acoustic performances of famed musicians, allowing guests and performers to socialize between musical sets over fabulous fare and refreshments. Tables seat from two to six and reservations are necessary.

For the informal mom, take a day trip for the greatest casual dining experience in the greater metro area, the coolest casual shoe outlet in Minnesota and the most fun sculpture park in the world. Stop by the Old Cabin Inn and order broasted chicken for mom, prime rib for dad and fish and chips or hamburgers for the kids. Stop by Franconia Sculpture Park for a walk around the park. Then complete experience with a fashion stop at Sven’s Clogs in Chisago City. Take a look at Sven’s clog-boots that sell like hotcakes in New York City and other markets. If sculptures and clogs are not of interest, then maybe the bluffs of St Croix River and antiquing in town would be a fun finish for a memorable day.

Give Mom A Wellness Gift

Many local organizations offer massage, yoga, fitness and other feel-good approaches to self improvement. Mom might enjoy a facial or massage at Spot Salon in NE Minneapolis or Uptown. She may also prefer a gentle yoga or meditation class at River Garden Yoga on West Seventh Street in St. Paul. The Oasis Spa and Wellness Center on Washington Avenue North in Minneapolis offers gift cards for any of a full spectrum of services and products in skin care, body care and nail design. Or perhaps mom would like a hyp-yoga class to bring her mind to a relaxed, calm state designed to facilitate positive life changes or a Reiki class to reduce stress and promote healing. Girasole Yoga on Central Ave. in Minneapolis offers these classes and more.

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.